About this project
Applications are invited for a PhD project in radiopharmaceutical development and preclinical medical imaging.
Based in the Hull York Medical School, the successful applicant will focus on the development of novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals. Biological targeting groups will be combined with motifs (chelators and prosthetic groups) to form bio conjugates for facile radiolabelling as new supramolecular PET imaging agents. Multivalent galectin binding agents will be investigated using a range of techniques including immunohistochemistry and surface plasmon resonance. Radiolabelling studies to produce novel radiopharmaceuticals will be carried out in the dedicated radiotracer development facilities offering unique opportunities to develop skills in radiopharmaceutical validation. In vivo imaging and interaction with clinical colleagues will be used to select lead candidates for translation and potential application in radio-guided surgery.
For informal inquiries, please contact the primary supervisor for this project - Prof Steve Archibald.
About the research cluster
The scholarship forms part of a PhD cluster supporting a major research project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). This is a joint project with Imperial College London and King’s College London and is also supported by industrial partners.
The successful applicant will benefit from working alongside investigators across the Chemistry Department and the PET Research Centre (part of the Hull Molecular Imaging Centres development (HuMIC) at UoH), as well as with collaborators at Imperial College London and King’s College London. The postgraduate researcher will form an important and integral part of the project team, driving this exciting multidisciplinary and impactful research forward. They will be able to present their work on academic platforms, co-author papers, and work closely with our project industry partners. They will also benefit from close collaboration with the UoH-Medical Research Council CiC interdisciplinary mini-PhD cluster “Immune cell markers in chronic disease” and the ”Hull University Theragnostics” PhD cluster.
HuMIC is a single operational unit formed in 2022, bringing together three centres; Positron Emission Tomography Research Centre (PETRC), Molecular Imaging Research Centre (MIRC) and Jack Brignall PET-CT Centre. It was developed and is led jointly between Daisy Appeal (a local Charitable Trust) and the UoH to provide research and clinical facilities for researchers. The Molecular Imaging Research Centre building (GMP radiotracer) will be fully operational by early 2023 providing a second cyclotron for radioisotope production in Hull. This collaboration is the first worldwide to implement a translational PET strategy based on dose-on-demand PET radiotracer production.
Submission of thesis
Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full time and within six years and six months if studying part-time.
Research training
As a PhD student at Hull York Medical School, you will receive comprehensive research training and support.
How to apply
You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position. Find out more about writing a personal statement. Please also ensure you include the following information:
- What motivates you to pursue PhD study
- Why you are interested in this project
- How your skill set matches the requirements for your choice of project and/or any additional training you will need
- The wider significance of research in this area and potential future research directions for the project.
Please note that applications to the Hull York Medical School are processed via the University of York admission system. Visit this page for more information on applying to York.
Apply for the scholarship
Closing date for applications
Friday 10 February 2023